With Love from Taupo brings Ironman to the community

Celebrating 20 years in the Taupo region this year, Kelloggs Nutri-Grain IRONMAN New Zealand is extending the welcome from Taupo to all competitors with a wonderful initiative that links the children of the region directly to each and every one taking part in the event on Saturday.

With Love from Taupo is a programme putting a personalized letter from a child in the region into every competitor welcome pack. This is possible thanks to the support of the schools in the region, the Taupo District Council and a whole lot of creativity from the kids, with the aim of having 1700 letters in race welcome packs as they are opened at the end of this week.

The initiative is even more appropriate given 2018 sees IRONMAN celebrate 40 years since the very first event in Hawaii, that combined with the 20 year celebration in Taupo makes it all the more important to be engaging the next generation and having the children of the Taupo District engage with the event now, one that they might well be a part of in the future, whether as competitors, volunteers or just supporters.

Steve Giles, District Events Manager with the Taupo District Council says it has already been a huge success and he knows the athletes will love it when they read their own unique letter.

"We are delighted to be part of this initiative, one that shows the level of engagement from our community with the Kelloggs Nutri-Grain IRONMAN team and provides a wonderful and very personal contact between the competitors and the children of the region.

"Not only will this be a great and welcome surprise for athletes when they open their packs, but it reminds them of those that will be lining the streets watching and cheering for them, amongst them many children who will be inspired by their achievements.

"And for the children themselves, as they compose their messages they have had to think about what these athletes from all over the world and New Zealand are doing and achieving, it brings it home just how amazing all of these IRONMAN competitors really are and can be quite inspiring to a younger generation."

Room 4 at Taupo Primary is one of the contributing classrooms, with teacher Mrs McCarthy needing little encouragement to be on board.

"With Love from Taupo is a fantastic initiative, the event is right on our doorstep, everyone has the opportunity to see if live, the whole town benefits from it and many of the children in our region will one day be IRONMAN competitors themselves.

"The children have been thinking about it and talking about it, they realise there is so much dedication that goes into an event like this."

Kelloggs Nutri-Grain IRONMAN Race Director Wayne Reardon knows how special the letters will be to competitors.

"It wouldnt surprise me if they were to frame their medals with the letters after they cross the line and reflect on what an achievement it has been for them. This sort of personal touch can mean the world to those taking part, for everyone but especially those from overseas. It is a fantastic way to help celebrate 20 years of IRONMAN in Taupo and involve the next generation who one day might be lining up themselves."

Many schools throughout the region took up the offer of penning the letters and as is often the case when coming from children, the messages are both heartfelt and brutally honest and direct, but all will resonate with the competitors as they put the finishing touches to their preparation upon arrival in Taupo. Contributing schools came in from around the District, including Taupo Primary, Hilltop Primary, Marotiri, Rangataiki, Mountview, Wairakei and Taupo Intermediate, with 1600 letters created.

Some of the messages from Room 4 at Taupo Primary included:

"Never give up, keep it up."

"Go! Go! Go! Try your best, good luck."

Good luck and remember to believe in yourself."

A selection of letters from Taupo Intermediate is also attached to this release.

All children who composed a letter went in the draw to win one of ten entries to the Kids Fun Run on Friday morning (8am at the Northern Domain), another way of engaging the event with the children and a future generation of IRONMAN competitors, volunteers or supporters.

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Triathlon New Zealand